Former Secretary-General of the Anglican Communion Worldwide, Bishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon, has urged the Federal Government to acknowledge the hardship facing Nigerians and explain the measures being taken to address it.

Speaking in Kaduna on Monday, Idowu-Fearon said rising food and transportation costs had made life increasingly difficult for many Nigerians. He noted that some people could barely afford food and had been forced to reduce the number of meals they took daily.

The bishop also expressed concern over the rising cost of household goods and poor electricity supply, saying his residence had been without public power for several days. He questioned how increased government revenues were being distributed amid the hardship.

Idowu-Fearon called on the government to stop denying the economic difficulties and clearly communicate its plans to Nigerians. He also warned religious leaders against becoming too close to politicians, saying such relationships could affect their ability to speak truth to power.

On the 2027 elections, he urged Nigerians to focus on candidates’ character and values rather than their religion. He also advised religious and traditional leaders against directing their followers on how to vote.